Leadwing Coachman

One of the oldest wet flies in American angling tradition, the Leadwing Coachman dates to the 1800s. Its peacock herl body, brown hackle, and dark lead-wing mallard quill imitate any number of emerging nymphs and drowned adults. Swing it down and across on a tight line through riffles, or strip it slowly upstream. When swung through tailouts during a hatch, the soft-hackle materials breathe enticingly and fish find it impossible to refuse.

Type

wet fly (Mayfly)

Hook sizes

#10–14

Target species

trout

Difficulty

beginner

Best seasons

spring, summer, fall

Materials

• hook: Wet fly hook #10–14
• thread: Black 6/0
• tag: Fine gold tinsel
• body: Peacock herl (3–4 strands)
• hackle: Brown hen hackle, soft and webby
• wing: Leadwing mallard quill section, tied tent style

Tying steps

1. Mount a size 10–14 wet fly hook; start black thread.
2. Tie in fine gold tinsel as a tag at the bend.
3. Twist 3–4 strands of peacock herl together and wind a full body to the 2/3 mark.
4. Tie in a soft brown hen hackle; make 2 loose turns and sweep the fibers back.
5. Select two matching leadwing mallard quill sections; tie them tent-style over the body.
6. Build a small neat head; whip finish and lacquer.
7. Apply one thin coat of lacquer to the thread head and let cure; a second coat adds durability.
8. Inspect the wing from the side — the matched mallard quill slips should form a tight tent over the body at 45 degrees.
9. Dampen the mallard quill wing sections lightly and press both sides together gently to confirm they are matched, seated evenly, and angled at 45 degrees.